The Future by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 1, 1871

The Future.

By Editor

We are too much worn to do hard labor at present, and see no possible chance to rest, even should we remain away from the camp-meetings, only in resigning all connection with the work for a time. This we shall be obliged to do, unless help comes from some quarter very soon. We have appealed for help, and have spoken pointedly in reference to the necessity of reliable working men moving to Battle Creek. The case has been clearly stated. We are still struggling on with two or three men's work, and hope not to fail before help comes. But we are grieved with a knowledge of the fact that we cannot endure one-half the work we could one year since.

We teach submission to the decisions of the body, and desire, while we can labor at all, to do the work put upon us by our people, as far as we are able to do it. But it occurs to us that in this dispensation of mercy our brethren overdo the matter somewhat in asking us to attend all the camp-meetings, after nailing us to Battle Creek as President of the Publishing Association and of the General Conference, and editor of REVIEW AND HERALD and Health Reformer.

We have no personal interest in these matters, more than our brethren everywhere. And we fail to see the justice of demanding so much at our hands. In January last we appealed to our people for six months' rest from perpetual labors and cares. General Conference was called a month in advance, that the necessary arrangements might be made for our much-needed rest. And in the face of our appeals for entire rest for a season, four-fold burdens were coolly put upon us, then a resolution was passed voting us rest! We have not, however, found an hour's rest; and now in our worn condition, we feel very reluctant to attend the eastern camp-meetings, fearing that more will be expected of us than we are able to perform.

The question may be asked, What kind of help is needed at Battle Creek? In the first place we want to exchange some professed Seventh-day Adventists, who lack devotion and decision of character, for men and women of moral worth, and whose hearts are in the good work with us. The former class are always a burden to the cause, and are a matter of discouragement, while the latter class will help lift the burdens of the way, and thus give encouragement.

We do not ask that any of our ministers, who are few in number, should leave the work of God, and come to Battle Creek to serve tables. We do not wish to see them crippled with the care of finances as we have been nearly the whole period of our ministry.

But we do want to see such men as H. W. Kellogg, of Vermont; H. B. Stratton, of Boston; Ira Abbey, of New York; King, Fargo, Root, McPherson, and Palmer, of Michigan, and others from other States, make Battle Creek or vicinity their sojourning place, where they can act as counselors and helpers in all matters pertaining to the advancement of the cause. These men have made life a success, and are better qualified to attend to a very large portion of the work than we can be, considering the multiplicity of our cares.

If we can be any benefit to the cause as a counselor, we are willing to remain in Battle Creek, if twenty or twenty-five of the very best families can move here to bear responsibilities, and to do the work which none of our ministers should do. But if this cannot be brought about, we shall immediately on returning from eastern camp-meetings remove from the place.